Captain Schenn put the icing on the cake with his first of the year 15 seconds into overtime with a blistering wrist shot from the left circle that beat the San Jose goaltender Blackwood, who had played a solid game facing 40 shots.
Schenn’s OT winner capped off the three goal third period that tied the game at four, including the tying goal with 47 seconds left in regulation by Justin Faulk with a screen in front of the net by Jake Neighbours.
Joel Hofer got the start in net, his first of the year, and allowed four goals on 29 shots. Not his best night, however the defensive play of the Blues in the third period did not allow a shot by the Sharks in the last 10:55. Making Hofer's night a winner.
The third period comeback was led by the fourth line checking hard against the Sharks and led to the first two goals of the period. Newcomers Radek Faksa and Ryan Suter provided the offense and gave the Blues life until the final minute heroics of Faulk with the goalie pulled. Nathan Walker and Alexey Toropchenko with assists and getting rewarded for their physical play.
The Blues dominated the Sharks early out shooting them in the first period 22 to 9
However San Jose had the lead at 2 to 1 as No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini showed off his skills scoring once and assisting with a nifty pass from behind the net. The Blues were also the more physical team throughout the game. A shorthanded goal against in the second seemed to doom the Blues as they were down that seemingly insurmountable three-goal deficit.
Once again my heart skips a beat or two when the Blues net is empty in the final minutes of the game. Last season it seemed that empty net goals were always going against the Blues.
The Blues won the faceoff in the overtime and never relinquished the puck. The clank off the post and in…was a welcome sound. That's how I spelt relief on this night.
Next up…the Vegas Golden Knights who are resting at home as the Blues come into Vegas for their first back-to-back game of the season. I’ll be there to rally the Blues to victory No. 3!